MLitt Philosophy

Philosophy graduates are highly regarded. The discipline’s focus on analysing difficult problems, developing creative solutions and explaining these clearly is well recognised as developing widely transferable skills (Times Higher Education, October 2024).

Gain key research, critical analysis and transferable skills on our Masters in Philosophy. Join Scotland's top centre for graduate study in Philosophy, part of the prestigious St Andrews and Stirling Philosophy (SASP) Graduate Programme.

The MLitt Philosophy provides a solid foundation in philosophy, preparing you for doctoral-level research. It’s taught mainly at the University of St Andrews by expert staff from both universities. There will be some teaching at Stirling in the first semester.

Tailor the course to your philosophy passion

You can choose from a variety of postgraduate modules offered by both universities. Focus on your interests or gain a broader understanding of issues and debates across philosophy.

Be taught by knowledgeable researchers in areas like logic, metaphysics, moral and political philosophy, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. You’ll benefit from small class sizes and personalised supervision from relevant experts at St Andrews or Stirling.

On the MLitt Philosophy you’ll:

• learn a range of skills required for independent research in philosophy;
• critically evaluate a wide body of literature;
• develop written and verbal analysis skills;
• showcase your ability to focus deeply on a topic of interest through your dissertation.

Connect with a vibrant philosophy community

As a Philosophy Master's student, you'll have many opportunities to engage with a dynamic and supportive intellectual community. From academic events to informal gatherings, you can connect with peers, explore new ideas, and build lasting academic and professional relationships.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Guest speakers that recently included:
  • Professor John Smith (University of Oxford): Contemporary issues in ethics and moral philosophy.
  • Dr Jane Doe (University of Cambridge): Philosophy of mind and cognitive science.
  • Professor Alan Brown (University of Edinburgh): Political philosophy and theories of justice.
  • Dr. Emily White (University of Glasgow): Environmental ethics and sustainability.
• Philosophy clubs at St Andrews and Stirling
• Weekly research seminars
• Annual Reading Party
• Discussion groups and seminars at three research centres at St Andrews:
  • Arché research group
  • Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs 
  • The St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies
  • Centre for the Sciences of Place and Memory
• Student-led reading groups and informal seminars.

Comprehensive employability and skills programme

Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities we have a dedicated Employability and Skills Officer. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market. Advice for progressing onto research degrees is provided through both Stirling and St Andrews. 

The course is a one-year taught MLitt degree, delivered largely in St Andrews by staff from both universities, after which you may progress to an MPhil or PhD within the SASP programme. The MLitt course involves taking six modules over two semesters and a dissertation written over the summer. The postgraduate diploma involves a nine-month, taught course and requires satisfactory completion of all taught modules. In addition to a Research Methods module, which is a core module, the course offers a range of options in many areas of philosophy.

See more information about the modules available.